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Spring 2015 Courses

The following courses offered during the Spring 2015 semester meet elective requirements of the Minor in Digital Studies.

Seniors graduating in Spring 2015 may notice that neither of the primary capstone options are being offered (HIST 428 or ENGL 451). If you still need a capstone to complete your minor, you have two options: an indendent study (in whatever discipline), or some other course. In either case, the program director must approve the substitution and notify the registrar, so please contact the minor director if you have any questions.

 Art and Art History


ARTS 104: Digital Approaches to Fine Art
Jason Robinson; 12:00 – 12:50 or 2:00 – 2:50 MWF; Melchers 209

This course introduces basic tools and techniques of computer generated art in the context of studio theory and practice.

Communication

COMM 370F: Social Media
P. Anand Rao; 12:30 – 1:45 TR; ITCC 327

This is an intensive special topics class in which we will explore the theory and practice of social media with a focus on the use of social media by both individuals and groups. Students will explore the theories and concepts of online social networking, and develop an understanding of how social media strategies can be applied in a variety of settings.

Computer Science

CPSC 106: Digital Storytelling
Jim Groom; TBA; Online

People have been telling stories since the beginning of time., but how is story telling evolving in the digital age? This course explores how computers are being used to tell stories. We’ll study text-based technologies-blogging, the web- and how those models have changed the way we publish and disseminate narratives. Well also study the roles of audio, video, and images in narrative: computer animation, the ethics of altering digital images, and the Story Corps project. Students will use technology including blogs, virtual worlds, and computer games to create and tell their own stories.

English

ENGL 245: Intro to Cinema Studies
Antonio Barrenechea; 6:00 – 7:15 PM TR; Combs 139

Equips students to analyze and understand the art of narrative cinema within the Anglophone tradition.

ENGL 251AA: Games and Culture
Zach Whalen; 1:00 – 1:50 and 2:00 – 250 PM MWF; ITCC 327

A critical exploration of cultural value in video games — including issues of gender, race, sexuality, class, labor and disability — and the ways by which contemporary and historical games demonstrate, respond to or represent those concerns.

ENGL 314: Literary Journal
Elizabeth Wade; Two sections: 1:00 – 1:50 and 2:00 – 2:50 MWF; Combs 349
Requires ENGL 302

A study of the contemporary national literary journal. Students also design and produce an online journal, The Rappahannock Review.

ENGL 376VV: Electronic Literature
Zach Whalen; 11:00 – 12:15 TR; Combs 349

A survey of historical and contemporary work produced in the genre of Electronic Literature, broadly defined as “born digital” texts meant to be accessed via digital technology. Sub-genres and modalities include: hypertext fiction, interactive fiction, playable media, net.art, and others.

History

HIST 325: American Technology and Culture
Jeff McClurken; 11:00 – 12:15 TR; ITCC 329

Development of American technology and its relation to U.S. culture from the colonial period to the present.

Music

MUTH 170: Intro to MIDI Composition**
Mark Snyder; 10:00 – 10:50 and 11:00 – 11:50 MWF; Dupont 207

An application of basic rhythm, meter, melody, and chords through computer controlled sound production systems and MIDI, which enables the student to produce original compositions.

Political Science

PSCI 363: Mass Media Politics
Stephen Farnsworth; 8:00 – 9:15 TR; Monroe 112

Study of the role of the mass media in shaping political attitudes and events.